Schools in Mount Isa and Cloncurry are getting a special visit from Healthy Harold the giraffe for National Reconciliation Week.
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Harold, the Life Ed Queensland mascot, will be on show at a host of cultural and creative activities running from Monday, May 27 until Friday, May 31.
Children's art, music, literature and dance will be used to promote a kinder, more respectful community and will tie in with this year's National Reconciliation Week theme - 'Now More Than Ever'.
The week of activities is made possible through the support of Communities for Children facilitated by Centacare North Queensland and funded by the Australian Government.
Schools and community groups were invited to apply for a grant of $500 to design their own community activity around the themes - kindness, respect and healthy relationships.
Life Ed Queensland then worked closely with each community organisation to help them plan their event.
Life Ed Queensland Partnership Coordinator Michelle Pipino said the collaboration between Centacare, Life Ed, schools, kindergartens and community groups had empowered each group to design their own unique event celebrating their community's traditions.
"By involving both the Elders and children in these events, we aim to bridge generational gaps, promote understanding and respect for Indigenous culture, and highlight the importance of kindness in building a harmonious community," she said.
One of the highlights of the week, The Caretakers of Kindness event, will be held at Mt Isa's Ngukuthati Children and Family Centre on Thursday, May 30.
Elders will choose the winner of an art competition showcasing the creativity of children under eight.
Children were invited to submit drawings and photos depicting: "Iconic kind people, kind places and kind things in our local community - Mount Isa".
Centacare North Queensland Remote Operations Manager Michelle Paulsen said it was inspiring to see so many groups adopting the grants to be part of Harold's Kindness Week and Reconciliation Week activities.
"Harold's Kindness Week promises to be a heart-warming and enlightening event, bringing people of all ages together to celebrate reconciliation, kindness and cultural diversity in Mount Isa and Cloncurry," she said.
List of the Harold's Kindness Week Activities, May 27 to 31
- Sunset State School - Students will participate in a rotation of activities promoting kindness to one another, with interactive library sessions the focal point for the week's event.
- C&K Estelle Cardiff Community Kindergarten - Families and community members are invited to join a morning tea which will highlight children's art, music and dance with themes of kindness and belonging.
- C&K Cloncurry Kindergarten - The kindy will develop a range of arts and crafts activities focusing on the theme 'Now More Than Ever.'
- Brilla Brilla Neighbourhood Centre (Yallambee Community) - Life Ed Queensland will provide healthy snacks and present a short reading of Harold's Big Feelings to the playgroup.
- Injilinji Community Kindergarten - The centre will host a morning tea where children can share the Acknowledgement of Country they have created.
- Ngukuthati Children and Family Centre - Elders will select the winner of an art competition, which highlights the creativity and kindness of Mt Isa children under eight. Young people were invited to submit drawings and photos depicting: "Iconic kind people, kind places and kind things in our local community - Mount Isa".
- Mt Isa City Library - During the story-time session, library staff will present a story that relates to kindness and respect and acknowledges Reconciliation Week. The session will be followed by morning tea.
- Eileen Fisher Memorial Community Kindergarten - There will be discussions and activities in class around kindness, and families from both kindy groups and the community can enjoy a display during the afternoon tea. Local business Nyunku Creations has been invited to play the didgeridoo and sing songs relating to kindness and country.
Ben Carr
Starting out as a reporter in Lightning Ridge in 2005, I returned to journalism in 2023 after 15 years spent in event production and technical services. Passionate about community news, contact me on ben.carr@austcommunitymedia.com.au or ph: 0484 524 000
Starting out as a reporter in Lightning Ridge in 2005, I returned to journalism in 2023 after 15 years spent in event production and technical services. Passionate about community news, contact me on ben.carr@austcommunitymedia.com.au or ph: 0484 524 000
